You may live in a balmy climate year round or
experience the discomfort of humidity solely during the summer. No matter where
you live, however, the sticky warmth or burning dry heat of summer quickly
becomes uncomfortable. The right air conditioner will help you keep your cool.
Consider the following air conditioner tips while you prepare to make your
purchase.

Type. Air conditioners come in three styles: a unit (or window), portable or central
cooling system. Unit and portable air conditioners are all you’ll need to cool
one room in your house. A central cooling system is needed if you want an air
conditioner powerful enough to run throughout your entire home.

U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency website. You will learn how to
properly measure the room you want to cool and find out the corresponding BTUs
needed to thoroughly cool that room. The Good Housekeeping website also has a
BTU calculator. More
powerful air conditioners have higher BTUs.

Installing
or upgrading a central cooling system is a more complicated process. You will
want to hire a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) expert to visit
your home and advise you on your specific equipment needs.

Installation. We’ve
already covered the importance of working with a professional if you want to
install a central cooling system, but you can determine your installation needs
if you buy a window or portable air conditioner.

You’ll need to know the precise measurements of the space where you want to install
the window air conditioner, so be sure to measure the window. This will also be
useful when you’re shopping for an air conditioner because you will know how
large or small the unit needs to be to fit in to its designated space in your
home.

Typically, window air conditioners contain step-by-step instructions and mounting brackets
in the packaging that walk you through installing the unit. Keep in mind that
you may need to purchase bricks or wood to properly tilt the window air
conditioner outside for draining purposes.

Portable air conditioners require little or no installation. Some portable units collect
water in a bin that must be emptied while others simply redistribute the water
in to the air. Portable air conditioners that come with tubes need to have a
hole in the wall where water can be emptied outside through the tube.

Cost. An air conditioner is a long-term
investment beyond the initial purchase. Unless you only occasionally use your
air conditioner, you will incur day-to-day operating costs on your electric
bill. Energy-efficient models may cost more initially, but you'll more than
make up for the higher purchase price in terms of lower electric bills.

Consult the Energy Efficiency Rating on air conditioner models. Higher rated models are
more efficient. You can also simply look for Energy Star air conditioners.
Energy Star units meet strict federal standards set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency. They use at least 10% less energy than traditional air
conditioners, and they often have advanced features like timers.

Features. Different air conditioner styles
and brands offer varying features. Consider the advanced features you might
want to have your air conditioner include before you shop. You can find air
conditioners with oscillating vents, temperature remote controls, Sleep mode
options and more.

After you’ve compiled your list of measurements, installation requirements and
desired air conditioner features, do your research. Read
air conditioner reviews
from consumers and experts to find out the best air conditioner styles and brands.